Stroke Treatment Delay Limits Outcome After Mechanical Thrombectomy: Stratification by Arrival Time and ASPECTS.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Mechanical thrombectomy (MT) has helped many patients achieve functional independence. The effect of time-to-treatment based in specific epochs and as related to Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score (ASPECTS) has not been established. The goal of the study was to evaluate the association between last known normal (LKN)-to-puncture time and good functional outcome. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of prospectively collected acute ischemic stroke patients undergoing MT for large vessel occlusion. We used binary logistic regression models adjusted for age, Modified Treatment in Cerebral Ischemia score, initial National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale, and noncontrast CT ASPECTS to assess the association between LKN-to-puncture time and favorable outcome defined as Modified Rankin Score 0-2 on discharge. RESULTS: Among 421 patients, 328 were included in analysis. Increased LKN-to-puncture time was associated with decreased probability of good functional outcome (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] ratio per 15-minute delay = .98; 95% confidence interval [CI], .97-.99; P = .001). This was especially true when LKN-puncture time was 0-6 hours (aOR per 15-minute delay = .94; 95% CI, .89-.99; P = .05) or ASPECTS 8-10 (aOR = .98; 95% CI, .97-.99; P = .002) as opposed to when LKN-puncture time was 6-24 hours (aOR per 15-minute delay = .99; 95% CI, .97-1.00; P = .16) and ASPECTS <8 (aOR = .98; 95% CI, .93-1.03; P = .37). CONCLUSION: Decreased LKN-groin puncture time improves outcome particularly in those with good ASPECTS presenting within 6 hours. Strategies to decrease reperfusion times should be investigated, particularly in those in the early time window and with good ASPECTS.

Permanent Deployment of the Solitaire FR™ Device in the Basilar Artery in an Acute Stroke Scenario.

BACKGROUND: Scarce reports exist of permanent deployment of Solitaire FR™ devices for arterial steno-occlusive disease as it is primarily indicated for temporary deployment for thrombectomy in large-vessel, anterior-circulation ischemic strokes. Even more scarce are reports describing permanent deployment of the Solitaire device for posterior circulation strokes. SUMMARY: We present 2 cases where the Solitaire device was electrolytically detached to re-establish flow in an occluded or stenotic basilar artery in acutely symptomatic patients. In both cases, a 4 × 15 mm Solitaire device was positioned across the stenotic or occluded portion of the basilar artery and electrolytically detached to maintain vessel patency. Both cases had good clinical outcomes with a National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score of 1 (from 24) on 90-day follow-up and an NIHSS score of 2 (from 7) on 30-day follow-up. KEY MESSAGES: Permanent deployment of the Solitaire device may potentially be a safe and effective means of maintaining vessel patency in an occluded or stenotic basilar artery.

Epidemiology of Ischemic Stroke.

Ischemic stroke is a heterogeneous multifactorial disorder recognized by the sudden onset of neurologic signs related directly to the sites of injury in the brain where the morbid process occurs. The evaluation of complex neurologic disorders, such as stroke, in which multiple genetic and epigenetic factors interact with environmental risk factors to increase the risk has been revolutionized by the genome-wide association studies (GWAS) approach. This article reviews salient aspects of ischemic stroke emphasizing the impact of neuroepidemiology and GWAS.

Comparative effectiveness of home blood pressure telemonitoring (HBPTM) plus nurse case management versus HBPTM alone among Black and Hispanic stroke survivors: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Black and Hispanic stroke survivors experience higher rates of recurrent stroke than whites. This disparity is partly explained by disproportionately higher rates of uncontrolled hypertension in these populations. Home blood pressure telemonitoring (HBPTM) and nurse case management (NCM) have proven efficacy in addressing the multilevel barriers to blood pressure (BP) control and reducing BP. However, the effectiveness of these interventions has not been evaluated in stroke patients. This study is designed to evaluate the comparative effectiveness, cost-effectiveness and sustainability of these two telehealth interventions in reducing BP and recurrent stroke among high-risk Black and Hispanic stroke survivors with uncontrolled hypertension. METHODS/DESIGN: A total of 450 Black and Hispanic patients with recent nondisabling stroke and uncontrolled hypertension are randomly assigned to one of two 12-month interventions: 1) HBPTM with wireless feedback to primary care providers or 2) HBPTM plus individualized, culturally-tailored, telephone-based NCM. Patients are recruited from stroke centers and primary care practices within the Health and Hospital Corporations (HHC) Network in New York City. Study visits occur at baseline, 6, 12 and 24 months. The primary outcomes are within-patient change in systolic BP at 12 months, and the rate of stroke recurrence at 24 months. The secondary outcome is the comparative cost-effectiveness of the interventions at 12 and 24 months; and exploratory outcomes include changes in stroke risk factors, health behaviors and treatment intensification. Recruitment for the stroke telemonitoring hypertension trial is currently ongoing. DISCUSSION: The combination of two established and effective interventions along with the utilization of health information technology supports the sustainability of the HBPTM + NCM intervention and feasibility of its widespread implementation. Results of this trial will provide strong empirical evidence to inform clinical guidelines for management of stroke in minority stroke survivors with uncontrolled hypertension. If effective among Black and Hispanic stroke survivors, these interventions have the potential to substantially mitigate racial and ethnic disparities in stroke recurrence. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02011685 . Registered 10 December 2013.